Jan. 30/31 Daily Link Dump - Recycle

by JLaff on Jan 30, 2007 9:20 AM PST

Had to lead off with this, notable asshat AJ Pierzynski has finally found his dream job.

We are not against mass hallucinations as a potential explanation of psychotic phenomena -- did you see the No. 1 movie in the country this weekend? -- but in this case, worry not, flu buggers of Deadspin Nation: You didn't imagine it in a cold fevered sweat. White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was indeed on the "Jerry Springer Show" on Monday. He was more like a "guest bouncer," which we don't understand and is likely a position invented for Pierzynski because he called and begged to be on, probably to impress his children, because that's the kind of guy A.J. Pierzynski is.

The Reds' official site ruminates on the Kirk Saarloos trade

Your thoughts on Kirk Saarloos? I watched this kid pitch when he was coming up in the Astros organization with the Lexington Legends. He's got a wicked sinker. He seems flexible, too -- effective starter and reliever with the A's. Think we might have caught some more Arroyo in a bottle?
-- Jonathan G., Clifton, Ohio

I think for what they gave up (see next question), it's a decent move. The Reds are getting a solid rotation candidate and pitching staff depth at a price (one year, $1.2 million for 2007) that isn't a budget buster. He's historically been a ground-ball pitcher, which the Reds have been seeking to help mitigate the dangers of their homer-happy ballpark.

Because Saarloos puts the ball in play a lot (only 52 strikeouts last season), he'll be counting on the defense behind him to make plays and keep him from long innings. That's a possible issue, since the Reds had the second-worst defense in baseball last season. A few fans wrote me alarmed that Saarloos still allowed 19 homers in 121 1/3 innings last season. Maybe that had to do his unsettled role in Oakland? As a full-time starter in 2005, he surrendered 11 homers in 159 2/3 innings. Obviously, Cincinnati would prefer the 2005 ratio a little better.

Mychael Urban also had a new mailbag up yesterday.

Is Shafer insurance for Huston Street, who had 11 blown saves last season? How much would you attribute Street's semi-meltdown to his stint on the disabled list and/or the length of the season?
-- Darin V., Simi Valley, Calif.

Shafer, from what I've heard, definitely could be a big-league closer in the future, but he hasn't pitched above Double-A ball, so he still has a little left to prove in the Minors. As for Street's struggles last season, I think it had everything to do with his stint on the DL -- his first stint -- and nothing to do with the length of the season.

My theory is that Street's participation -- or lack thereof -- in the World Baseball Classic prevented him from settling into an optimal preseason routine, which led to the strained muscle in his chest that forced him to the DL in April. And this much I know, because I spoke to him about it recently: The injury forced minor mechanical tweaks, which led to a series of minor injuries that he pitched through until going on the DL again in August with a strained groin, and he never felt quite right all year.

He said he feels great now, though, and he's looking forward to his first uninterrupted big-league camp, fully expecting to return to the form we saw in 2005.

Both Weavers are back in the AL West

$8.3 million. Wow. Loaiza is looking like an absolute steal.

Weaver also would receive $50,000 if he makes the All-Star team, $200,000 for winning the Cy Young Award and $50,000 for a Gold Glove award. Should the Mariners, who have finished last in the AL West for three consecutive seasons, have an astounding year, Weaver could get $50,000 for being the MVP of the AL championship series and $100,000 for being the World Series MVP.

Ha.

In other AL West news, the Rangers officially signed the hitter formally known as Slammin' Sammy Sosa.

"I'd love to have him hit fifth behind Mark Teixeira if he shows he can hit Major League pitching," manager Ron Washington said. "As we get into Spring Training, his performance will show what we can do with him."

We'd love for him to hit fifth too.

Poll

Dumber signing?

Jeff Weaver

116 votes

Sammy Sosa

74 votes

190 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Shannon Stewart

Marlins trying out Shannon Stewart.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/01/marlins_conside.html#comments

Anyone know of a team in need of a solid leadoff type, who can play LF (w/ versatility to play CF)?

Stewart
Kotsay
Bradley
Piazza
Chavez
Crosby
DJ
Ellis
Kendall

by Colorado Fan on Jan 30, 2007 9:32 AM PST reply actions

I'd probably start Swisher.

Seriously, I don't think Shannon has much left in the tank, and the guy hasn't played center in years. I'd rather put Swish in left and give DJ the PAs instead.

If we could get him to sign a no-risk, minor league deal, I might be interested.

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Jan 30, 2007 10:39 AM PST up reply actions

Career .299 hitter

Granted he's been pretty beat up the last couple years he'd hit for a better avg. than dj and he would only have to play cf sparingly, so who cares if he hasn't played it in years?

and with our oft injured outfield it would make sense at least looking at the guy.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Jan 30, 2007 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

And Jose Canseco hit 462 homeruns.

Should we grab him too?

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Jan 31, 2007 8:49 AM PST up reply actions

o'really

what did canseco hit last year? was it .293 (albeit stewart only played in 44 games)? no. can canseco play a solid center field when kotsay needs a break? no. has canseco played major league baseball in 5 years? no. would canseco be considered a legitimate leadoff hitter (i know a lot of people would prefer not to see kendall lead off)? no. is someone as funny/clever as they think they are? no.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Jan 31, 2007 11:23 AM PST up reply actions

You may have missed it, but...

..Canseco hit 71 runs in a homerun rally as part of a recent episode of Spike TV's Pros Vs Joes.

He's ready.

Oh and just so you know, my point wasn't that we should sign Canseco. It's that, if you're going to use career numbers to pump Stewart's case, you might as well use Canseco's as well. Career numbers are a historical reference, not a gauge of quality.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Jan 31, 2007 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

wrong

career numbers can be used a gauge of quality when a player is currently playing. by your suggestion stats from last year would be historical refence which could not be used to gauge quality. stats are used to gauge quality of professional atheletes everyday, i'm not sure where you missed out on this concept.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Jan 31, 2007 1:58 PM PST up reply actions

Not really, but ...

if batting average is the measure du jour:
06 .293
05 .274
04 .304
03 .307

Of course, despite the impressive batting averages, his OPS+ is a bit less promising:
06 88
05 88
04 113
03 113

Career record doesn't mean much of anything, what can be meaningful is recent performance.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Jan 31, 2007 3:31 PM PST up reply actions

your right

recent performance is better indicator but even that's "historical". career numbers can show you a little of what you might be able to expect unless a player has been in a steady decline over the last few years, which stewart has hit .290+ 3 out of the last 4 years. as far as OPS+ i'll be honest, i'm ignorant and don't know exactly what it is your showing, but i'd be interested in seeing dj's, kotsay's, keilty's against rhp, and kendall's ops+. either way, i don't see how adding stewart wouldn't help this team. the team is thin, we know kotsay won't play an entire season bradley probably won't either so during these stints we're looking at keilty or goleski or hiram being everyday players and i'd probably prefer stewart (depending on the price).

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Jan 31, 2007 4:07 PM PST up reply actions

I'm showing that he's been severely

subpar over the last two years, OPS+ is essentially OPS (on base percentage + slugging percentage) expressed as a ratio of league average. 100 is average, 88 is 12% below average.

What's more, he's hardly a reliable backup, as he has only stayed healthy one of the last three years and he hasn't played CF in many, many years.

As a corner outfielder, I'd rather give Goleski a chance. He might not work out, but he's unlikely to be worse than Stewart and could be much, much better.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Jan 31, 2007 4:50 PM PST up reply actions

OPS+

i knew what ops was but wasn't sure what the + meant. thanks for the info. i'd be curious as to how lead of hitter types tend to fare in ops+, mostly above average, average, mostly below average. with that being said lets look at the real issues here. as a backup/half of a platoon his health isn't as big of a concern as if he was being signed to be an everyday player. who else on this team can play center? bradley? hiram if we get desperate? comparing stewarts last 4 years to kendalls (our current lead off hitter) last 4 years in ops (devo you can look up there respective ops+ if you'd like) stewart fairs much better with an ops of .776 to kendall's .745. i wouldn't be as much concerned with how much a player is an upgrade to the league average as i would with how much of an upgrade it would be to your team. kendall also seems to hit better against lefties, so he could lead off when keilty is playing and stewart sits. i'd love for goleski to come in and provide some cheap production but i'd doubt he'd hit .289, and yes i realize that stewart isn't gauranteed to hit .289, but i disagree with the statement that goleski is unlikely to be worse that stewart. goleski is a total unknown at the major league level. bottom line, as a lead off hitter, if even in a platoon role, stewart is better than our current option. he would also provide some depth to an outfield that, to me, seems pretty thin.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 1, 2007 4:27 PM PST up reply actions

2006 numbers, somewhat relevant.

1996 numbers, not so much.

Can you really not grasp that simple point?

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Feb 1, 2007 10:00 AM PST up reply actions

slipping between my fingures

fine he hit .293 in 06, .006 points off his career average. and over the last four years he's hit .289, .010 points off his career average. humor me how many guys on the A's hit above .293 or .289 last year? granted career numbers might not be the best way to measure the current quality of a player but in this case there aren't incredibly off. grasp that.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 1, 2007 4:01 PM PST up reply actions

Marlins aren't the only ones

"Scouts from the Mariners, A's, Rangers, Angels, Reds, Padres and White Sox were also there."

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061107&content_id=1736744&vkey=hotstove2006&fe xt=.jsp

by J Rod @ Athletics Nation on Jan 30, 2007 1:58 PM PST up reply actions

Oh boy...

A comment on that Deadspin thread:

Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah! says:

Nope, (AJ)'s still wrestling, in fact, he's supposed to wrestle on a pay-per-view in the next month or two against David Eckstein. I shit ye not. The moral of this story:
Real Life Asshole = Excellent Wrestling Bad Guy
(The Kevin Federline Corollary)

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 9:37 AM PST reply actions

I hope Eckstein wears a cup

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jan 30, 2007 12:54 PM PST up reply actions

and nothing else?

"San Jose A's of Fremont" is disgraceful

by ArakSOT on Jan 30, 2007 1:03 PM PST up reply actions

Considering he'll be touching AJ

I think rubber gloves would be advised as well.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jan 30, 2007 1:15 PM PST up reply actions

49ers sue SF -- Candlestick Park is falling apart.

Wow, really?

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 9:47 AM PST reply actions

YIKES.

Glad I don't go to 49er games.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 9:50 AM PST up reply actions

At least the building is courteous enough

not to crumble while people are in it. Now, that's hospitality.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Jan 30, 2007 9:54 AM PST up reply actions

Why is the Sosa signing dumb?

I don't get that logic at all. They signed him for "500K base with substantial incentives". If he sucks, they cut him and it was not a big deal, but if he contributes, could be a huge payoff. There is no risk in this deal....how can it be dumb? If he sucks, he wont even be there by Opening Day.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jan 30, 2007 9:47 AM PST reply actions

Brilliant post.

I wish I had thought of that.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 9:51 AM PST up reply actions

totally, dude!

What's not to like? High upside, low downside- you nailed it, OP!

by BerkeleyDawg on Jan 30, 2007 9:59 AM PST up reply actions

What's dumb about signing Sosa?

For a non-guaranteed $500K, the Rangers have no risk and high reward.

On the other hand, giving Weaver the same deal a team in your own division gave him last year, which he responded to by putting up DFA numbers, is crazy. The way I see it, signing Weaver is slightly more than 16 times dumber than signing Sosa.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 9:48 AM PST reply actions

At this point in the preseason

who would you rather the Mariners sign? Or try to trade for?

Yes, he struggled with the Angels, he also was decent with the Cardinals in the postseason.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

Nobody, for that kind of money.

Save it for next year.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:11 AM PST up reply actions

Doesn't work.

For some really weird reason, the Mariners do not carry their budget over to the next year. Which means if the FO is given $x million to spend this year and $x million to spend next year, and the FO only spends $x - $y, they still only have $x million to spend next year.

If you want a more thorough explanation, go to any of the Mariners blogs like LL, USSM, DOV.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 10:19 AM PST up reply actions

Interesting.

I didn't know that. That's a really stupid way to spend money, although that's exactly how the company I used to work for handled travel and expense budgets. If the company was significantly under towards the end of the year, we were encouraged to spend money, so it wouldn't look like we needed less next year.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:24 AM PST up reply actions

A lot of places work their budgets that way.

It looks bad if you ask for X from the controller and you spend <X. Next year when you ask for a budget - and this is the stupid part - the controller says, "well, they spent <X last year, so they can make do with that." So toward the end of funding periods many organizations will spend down their accounts. Silly, yeah, but a lot of businesses/organizations do that.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 10:30 AM PST up reply actions

It's not unlike the logic

that gives Jeff Weaver $8.3M for making four decent starts at the end of the season, instead of examining the data available for his entire career.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:35 AM PST up reply actions

I agree that $8.3 million

for Weaver is too much, BUT, based oon examining the data for his entire career, what kind of pitcher do you think he is? The one that was DFA caliber with the Angels?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 10:39 AM PST up reply actions

Looks like a fourth or fifth starter.

You have to wonder if there's someone at AAA who could benefit from the experience.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:40 AM PST up reply actions

Well, his career ERA+

is 96. I'm not saying that he is going to reproduce that, but that is about league average for a starting pitcher, and about what you'd expect from a #3 starter. A #4 starter would be about 90 ERA+ and a #5 78 ERA+.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 11:01 AM PST up reply actions

Yep

I'd add that Gil Meche also has a career ERA+ of 96, and Ted Lilly is only a little bit better (99). Maybe I'm just being contrarian today, but signing an essentially average (though very erratic) starting pitcher on a 1-year deal seems eminently reasonably to me, especially for a team like the Mariners that has money to burn and gaping holes in its rotation.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 11:20 AM PST up reply actions

Knowing that they HAVE to spend the money

does indeed make a difference.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 11:23 AM PST up reply actions

i HAD to buy it, it was on sale!

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 11:29 AM PST up reply actions

The more you buy, the more you save!

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

and the more you eat, the better you feel

so let's have beans with every meal!

"[Frank's] a big battler. He's the mother of battleships."

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Jan 30, 2007 11:45 AM PST up reply actions

in beans we trust

The inspection process may require that the handler take off the monkey's diaper as part of the visual inspection @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 30, 2007 1:14 PM PST up reply actions

Hmm, what's that smell?

Haven't smelled that around here for like a week.

"If your athame is a spork, you might be a Discordian."

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 30, 2007 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

if you think that smells bad ...

... try driving an '89 Mustang from ATL to the Bay Area in 4 days with a Great Dane in the back seat.

The inspection process may require that the handler take off the monkey's diaper as part of the visual inspection @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 30, 2007 1:55 PM PST up reply actions

poor dog...

"San Jose A's of Fremont" is disgraceful

by ArakSOT on Jan 30, 2007 2:04 PM PST up reply actions

So did you get lucky?

(With regard to the trip, that is, not with the Great Dane...)

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 4:06 PM PST up reply actions

in general, yes

There shall be no monkeyball franchise relocation in the foreseeable future.

The inspection process may require that the handler take off the monkey's diaper as part of the visual inspection @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 30, 2007 4:48 PM PST up reply actions

Oooh, I'll play

What's wrong with signing Sosa? It's only for 500K, so there's no risk and there's a chance he could be a productive player.

by mikeA on Jan 30, 2007 9:53 AM PST reply actions

This sounds like fun.

What's wrong with signing Hurt? It's only for 500K base+incentives, so there's no risk and he might even hit a few bombs for us.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 10:04 AM PST reply actions

Dude, he's 38 and washed up.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:05 AM PST up reply actions

Screw you.

This guy could be a hall of famer. It's not like we're trying to resurrect Erubiel Durazo here.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 10:15 AM PST up reply actions

LOL

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:17 AM PST up reply actions

QOTM!!

by Amnesiac727 on Jan 31, 2007 1:32 PM PST up reply actions

The difference,

of course, is that Thomas was coming off two years where he had missed a lot of time due to injury but was still a top-notch hitter, while Sosa didn't play at all last year and was godawful the year before that (and only OK in 2004). Unless Sosa has found a fountain of youth more effective than whatever he was using before, the supposed upside here is entirely illusory. That's what's not to like about the deal.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 10:17 AM PST up reply actions

And you're out how much?

Maybe $500k? So what?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 10:21 AM PST up reply actions

Damn, this time I was too slow

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jan 30, 2007 10:22 AM PST up reply actions

Even if you are right....

So what.....they paid him meaningless cash. If there is no upside, they cut him, so what? No risk.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jan 30, 2007 10:22 AM PST up reply actions

Stop it.

I was doing perfectly fine attacking a straw man. Don't you go injecting reason into this conversation.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 10:22 AM PST up reply actions

The other difference

is that Sosa's deal isn't guaranteed, while Frank's was. The deal reflects the fact that Sosa is less likely to succeed than Frank was.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:25 AM PST up reply actions

sosa and thomas

just because the two situations are different and sosa isn't as good as thomas, doesn't make the sosa deal a bad one, it just makes it not as good a deal as the very good thomas deal.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 11:04 AM PST up reply actions

Fair enough

But a bunch of people are saying the Sosa deal is low-risk, and potentially high-reward. Since it's only a minor league deal, I'll grant the low-risk part (no guaranteed money, no wasted spot on the 40-man roster), but I just don't think there's any real chance that Sosa turns back into a good hitter. Maybe stupid is too strong a word for this deal; it's merely pointless.

Also, as Nate Silver pointed out no deal is entirely risk-free: "The harm is not if Sosa looks bad in spring training, but if he looks good -- it ain't hard to look good in March against Grapefruit League pitching. Then, he winds up taking away at bats from Jason Botts or someone similar in what's looking like a very winnable division. Steroids or no, 38-year-old hitters don't see their OPS decline for five years in a row, take a year off, and find the magic elixir of Minnie Minoso."

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 11:14 AM PST up reply actions

well, i agree with most of that, but

sosa could have found a magic elixir (HGH or some designer steroid they don't test for).

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

Fair points, all.

Of course, you could insist on giving Jason Botts the job instead, find out he sucks, and then need to give up something during the season to find a suitable replacement.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

Go Weaver!

As we keep all our fingers crossed and a constant stream of prayer going up to our patron saints as they prop up the health of our beloved A's, let us not forget to pray also for the health of Jeff Weaver, one of the men most likely to help the A's do as well against the Mariners this year as they did last year....

by BerkeleyDawg on Jan 30, 2007 10:05 AM PST reply actions

Must have been hard

keeping a straight face while including the Cy Young language in Weaver's contract.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Jan 30, 2007 10:09 AM PST reply actions

In the spirit of Cutthemullet's

self-replies, and on the subject of never-to-be-garnered incentives ...

Does anyone know if Zito has any batting terms in his contract ? Obviously he won't have enough plate appearances to challenge for the triple crown, but maybe $100K for each 0.1 in average ?

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Jan 30, 2007 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

Okay, I'll post it.

Bonds stays clean long enough to pass physical, is re-signed by Giants for one year.

Gwen Knapp says Bonds should start to show his "human side," and Barry Zito should help...

The easy atmosphere of the A's clubhouse couldn't have prepared Zito for the portentous environment across the bay. It's the difference between a beer-commercial jingle and "The Ride of the Valkyries."

(Frankly, I think we already KNOW Bonds' "human side." Humans can be pretty obnoxious.)

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 10:11 AM PST reply actions

You think Zito is worried now?

Just wait until Robert Duvall flies in with a squadron of helicopter gunships.

"If your athame is a spork, you might be a Discordian."

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 30, 2007 10:24 AM PST up reply actions

''I love the smell of 'the clear' in the morning''

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 10:37 AM PST up reply actions

You picked the right designer roid for that joke.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Jan 30, 2007 10:39 AM PST up reply actions

On first impulse, it was just because...

...picking the other one might have spun this thread off into an entirely different direction...

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

I love the smell of my palm in the morning

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Jan 30, 2007 10:56 AM PST up reply actions

should take Kendall

with him so Zito and Kendall can surf.

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 10:38 AM PST up reply actions

Ken Rosenthal has

a hilarious take on this.

C'mon, Bud, link arms with Hammerin' Hank and join the chorus!

Lone-ly.
He's so lone-ly.
He has nobody to call his own.

Well, Bonds presumably gets to keep his clubhouse lounge chair, but the Giants might have taken that away, too, seeing as how they're suddenly talking tough and announcing that they're all about team.

LOL.

Wait, this gets better.

"Baseball fans around the world owe Barry Bonds a debt of gratitude for being lucky enough to watch him play," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, told ESPN.com.

LOLOLOL!

We'll cut Borris a break -- he faces the impossible task of spinning the unspinnable. But really, there's only one proper reaction to the agent's remarks.

Bow down, serfs!

I don't believe I've ever seen Rosenthal use LOL in a column.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 10:45 AM PST up reply actions

did an 8 year old write this?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 11:18 AM PST up reply actions

LOLOLOL!

correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't this read, "laugh out loud out loud out loud!" or is it "laugh out loud out laugh out loud!" what an amatuer.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Jan 30, 2007 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

Never thought I'd see the day

Where a respected mainstream journalist somehow infused LOL into a column, with apparent serious humor intended no less.

BeaneBall: This is a guy playing baseball. BeaneBall: But then, suddenly, MONEYBALL! HendryHuggins: Wait, I missed the part where moneyball.

by walk off bunt on Jan 30, 2007 4:41 PM PST up reply actions

Helton to BoSox off

Trade rumors sending Todd Helton to the Red Sox for Mike Lowell and a few minor league middle relievers are officially off. Apparantley Rockies owner Monfort felt the BoSox were lowballing him offering to pay half of Helton's salary and not giving up good enough players (guess they learned from Hanley Ramirez). Monforts comment was "This is Todd Helton we are talking about." He didnt mention the 33 year old in decline getting $16.6 mil this year and 23mil at age 38.
My favorite part is the comments on the bottom, filled with excited Giants fans wanting to get Helton. It's a different world over there.
Helton deal off

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 11:46 AM PST reply actions

I think this comment is my favorite:

HELTON IS KOMMEN TO THE ANGELS!!!!! THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A 1ST BAS POWER BAT!!!!!!!! THIS IS AN EASY KALL

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 11:51 AM PST up reply actions

Too easy

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 11:53 AM PST up reply actions

what?

you dont think its an easy "kall"?

by CyZito on Jan 30, 2007 11:57 AM PST up reply actions

Looks like sublimeguyjohn

is really taking to his new calling.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Jan 30, 2007 11:56 AM PST up reply actions

he kalls 'em as he sees 'em

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jan 30, 2007 12:13 PM PST up reply actions

BP does the A's tp 10 Propects today.

Subscription required....but no excellent prospects, Barton and Buck are listed as very good. Suzuki, Herrera and Mitchell as good.

Full write-ups on the top 10, great stuff:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5831

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jan 30, 2007 12:06 PM PST reply actions

Thanks

We non-subscribers can read about a third of the article (the list itself, and the first three write-ups).

The top 8 is the same as BA's, in a very slightly different order, and Melillo at #9 isn't a big stretch (#13 in BA), but I'm really curious what they have to say about their #10, Henry Rodriguez, who didn't even make BA's top 30. He's a 19-year old, who in 44 innings of rookie league had 59 strikeouts(!) but allowed 50 walks(!!), leading to a 7.42 ERA. I guess they like the K's, but it still seems like quite a stretch to have him in the top 10.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 12:23 PM PST up reply actions

i'll post part of it... (note: born in 87)

The Good: The best raw arm in the organization, Rodriguez sat at 92-96 mph in 2006, touched 98, and has been clocked as high as 100 mph in the past. His curveball projects as a plus pitch and he shows excellent feel for a changeup, especially for a pitcher so inexperienced.

The Bad: Raw is the understatement of the century, as Rodriguez has little clue as to what he's doing out there. Complicating matters even more are issues revolving around Rodriguez's maturity and willingness to work with coaches.

The Irrelevant: When the A's finally stretched out his arm at the end of the year, pitching him for a season-high five innings in each of his last three outings, Rodriguez allowed just six hits over those 15 frames, walking eight and striking out 21.

In a Perfect World, He Becomes: A pitcher who misses bats? It's hard to really project anything more.

Gap Between What He Is Now, And What He Can Be: Crazy High - Rodriguez has one of the most intriguing skill sets in the organization, and despite his struggles, he caught the attention of numerous other teams for his arm strength alone. He's not ready for a full-season either mentally or physically, and will begin the year in spring training before spending the second half of the season in Vancouver.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 12:28 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks

Sounds like someone to keep on eye on. Still seems odd that he didn't make the BA list at all, as he sounds like the kind of projectable/toolsy player they normally like.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 12:34 PM PST up reply actions

putting him #10

is either really depressing or BP trying to shake things up a bit.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 12:31 PM PST up reply actions

powell

"embarrassing himself in the Arizona Fall League as his weight ballooned to nearly 300 pounds. He's dedicated himself to his conditioning in the off-season and has already dropped 40 pounds."

"Warning: we've seen this before, as Powell got fat as a college junior only to get into shape for his senior year to improve his draft status."

damnit, we gotta stop drafting fat catchers...

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 12:24 PM PST up reply actions

I couldnt believe that...

3 bills? Unreal.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jan 30, 2007 12:30 PM PST up reply actions

Lost 40 pounds?

In what, 4 months? That is 10 pounds a month and nearly 2 a week. That seems aggressive. I wonder if he was able to do any strength and mobility training. I kind of think that a 7 thousand calorie defeicit a week would leave you feeling a little weak.

As a former college athlete without much in the way of natural ability, I hate these guys who have all the talent in the world, and cannot do a simple thing like stop eating when they are full, or show up for a workout.

Ok. rant over. Its safe now.

by mikedaviswhereareyou on Jan 30, 2007 12:41 PM PST up reply actions

A big part of the loss

is probably water weight, and glycogen.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Jan 30, 2007 12:49 PM PST up reply actions

he sounds a bit lazy

maybe he just amputated a leg.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 12:51 PM PST up reply actions

No, a pinkie.

"i was not told that this blog would involve math."

by Jennifer on Jan 30, 2007 1:11 PM PST up reply actions

if he did

I can't believe he didn't put BBQ Sauce on it and eat it.

Beane's World!! Excellent!!! Rock On, Beane! Rock On, Geren!

by Satchmo22 on Jan 30, 2007 2:24 PM PST up reply actions

liked BP's list

They're the only one that puts Barton over Buck...Seems kind of obvious you'd prefer the 21-year-old AAA corner guy to the 24-year-old AAA corner guy (nothing against Buck). Btw, Keith Law ranked the A's 21st out of 30 in minor league systems...seems about right.

by Nick86 on Jan 30, 2007 12:35 PM PST reply actions

i don't know

you're right, but many have questioned barton's "work ethic" and that could be a reason to put him below buck.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 12:42 PM PST up reply actions

I like Buck better

He's a far better athlete, has hit for extra base power despite not being a home run hitter, and has unquestioned makeup. I have real questions about Barton: his effort has been questioned, he may not ever hit for power, and he may be limited to DH. Barton has higher star potential given his age, but he also has a much higher bust potential.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Jan 30, 2007 3:34 PM PST up reply actions

Meanwhile...over at HH

slimejohnguy claims that he asked for his AN account to be deleted, but was refused.

http://www.halosheaven.com/story/2007/1/28/2232/38908

"[Frank's] a big battler. He's the mother of battleships."

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Jan 30, 2007 12:57 PM PST reply actions

While we're on the HH topic-

I'm glad Blez didn't have the spectacularly boring idea of doing a 75-part series on A's uniform numbers...

by mikeA on Jan 30, 2007 12:58 PM PST up reply actions

blez should do a 32,000 part series on

coliseum seating.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 1:04 PM PST up reply actions

I see HH still hasn't inspired 1000 users...

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 1:27 PM PST up reply actions

just like an A's fan to be so stats oriented

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jan 30, 2007 2:00 PM PST up reply actions

Now this gal is serious about HER Crosby

Perhaps some of you here aren't trying hard enough.

http://deadspin.com/sports/nhl/not-a-sign-that-will-help-you-get-on-tv-232432.php

"If your athame is a spork, you might be a Discordian."

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 30, 2007 1:15 PM PST reply actions

Nostril? Ear? Bleeding wound?

by mikeA on Jan 30, 2007 1:20 PM PST up reply actions

LOL

"Why would she want Crosby to shoot a puck into her mommy parts at 100 mph? Maybe I'm missing something."

"i was not told that this blog would involve math."

by Jennifer on Jan 30, 2007 1:25 PM PST up reply actions

That reminds me of the time

mrs salb918 went to the game with me (our last in the Coli before moving) and said she knew how important it was to me to share the experience. Not only did she agree to go with our faces painted...it was her idea! Now that's dedication.

(Arthur f---ing Rhodes blew the save, may he rot in hell.)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 1:51 PM PST up reply actions

Well, if I were mrs salb

I'd probably want to paint my face too.

"If your athame is a spork, you might be a Discordian."

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 30, 2007 3:26 PM PST up reply actions

because

she didn't want to be seen in public with mr. salb?

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Jan 30, 2007 3:29 PM PST up reply actions

but would you want to blow his save?

The inspection process may require that the handler take off the monkey's diaper as part of the visual inspection @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 30, 2007 3:54 PM PST up reply actions

I was at that game :-(

Bad outcome.

I remember, though, looking several sections away from where I was sitting and watching the Oakland PD handcuff and escort a face painted couple of the stadium and that entire section cheering the cops.

"[Frank's] a big battler. He's the mother of battleships."

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Jan 30, 2007 3:34 PM PST up reply actions

My attorney has advised me

not to comment.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 5:31 PM PST up reply actions

Yankees investing in China

So the Yanks are going to help develop baseball in China, and probably are looking for pitching talent.
Yankees in China

Now, I ask-why China over India? Indian cricket bowlers already are topping 100mph and lots of guys are in the mid and low 90s.

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 1:53 PM PST reply actions

Probably because MLB already has enough

pitchers who throw 99MPH and hit the ground before the plate.

by theblackpearl on Jan 30, 2007 1:56 PM PST up reply actions

another funny HH diary

http://www.halosheaven.com/story/2007/1/30/131829/851

"Tell me one other athlete that takes out a 1/2 page ad in the local fish wrap to thanks the fans that supported him throughout his career"

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 2:20 PM PST reply actions

Thanks for the tip

I will be ebaying copies of that paper starting tomorrow.

"Tuesday, January 30, 2007 OC Register-Darin Erstad farewell ad, Angels, White Sox, LOOK!!"

This is a newspaper featuring the ultra collectible Darin Erstad farewell ad! Theres a great picture of him diving to rob a base hit during the 2002 World Series! Erstad is an all-star and great player on the verge of a breakout season!! This collectible is only available once in a lifetime!! Great for the Erstad fan, U of Nebraska fan, or Angels fan! And it includes a GENUINE facsimile Erstad autograph at the bottom!!! I prefer payment with PayPork.

Starting bid .99 cents plus $6 shipping.

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 2:40 PM PST up reply actions

lol

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 2:40 PM PST up reply actions

I get the Register

and already have the ad thanks.

Oh wait, that is the ad which is currently collecting parakeet droppings.

by easyraider on Jan 31, 2007 9:01 AM PST up reply actions

He'll be okay, folks.

Will Carroll gives a snippet on Rich Harden:

I am very worried about Harden. More once the THR's start.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 2:29 PM PST reply actions

Help me out...

THR's??

"We don't rebuild in Oakland, man," Swisher cackles. "We re-load." Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jan 30, 2007 2:40 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry.

"Team Health Reports," a series he plans to do in the coming weeks.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 2:42 PM PST up reply actions

WC's Team Health Report

wherein he makes his super-expert diagnoses of every player....

by mikeA on Jan 30, 2007 2:43 PM PST up reply actions

I tell ya,

the guy's a regular Bill Frist.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 2:45 PM PST up reply actions

Uh oh

It seems that mikeA is the poster from whom I stole that joke.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 2:47 PM PST up reply actions

Imitation...., the saying goes

by mikeA on Jan 30, 2007 2:51 PM PST up reply actions

Help me out...

"WC" -- water closet?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 2:46 PM PST up reply actions

Total Hip Replacements?

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Jan 30, 2007 2:41 PM PST up reply actions

More....

ChipDil (Mclean, VA): I'm intrigued by the A's ability to dump expensive pitchers just as their performance takes a severe dip. Could their "pre-hab" program, which I believe includes MRI's of the pitchers' young arms to establish a structural baseline, help them identify changes which could lead to reduced performance? Would the A's be required to share these baseline images with their trading partners?

Will Carroll: It definitely could be a part of their decision and no, they are not required to share those.

And I'll go on record as saying I like the Sosa signing. Eric Davis, baby.

Beezer (NY): Will Bobby Crosby finally get a full season in? What about JJ Hardy?

Will Carroll: I wouldn't bet on either. The question becomes, how can you extract the most value from them and what form does that take?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 2:41 PM PST up reply actions

How to extract the most value from Crosby

I think that was already covered in a previous link.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Jan 30, 2007 2:43 PM PST up reply actions

bleh

I never like Will Carroll and I thought Taladega Nights was boring too.

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 2:49 PM PST up reply actions

What's all this about Talledega nights?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 2:50 PM PST up reply actions

Product placement has gotten out of hand

(Judith Miller arriving to court prominently displaying her delictious breakfast beverage from a local Starbucks)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 2:48 PM PST reply actions

wait...isn't

that stuff for liberals? At least she hid her tattoos, and isn't showing off her tongue piercing.

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 2:50 PM PST up reply actions

I also see

a Subaru in the background of that picture.

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 2:50 PM PST up reply actions

that cup is full of WMD

Warm Mocha Drink

The inspection process may require that the handler take off the monkey's diaper as part of the visual inspection @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 30, 2007 3:22 PM PST up reply actions

baseball think factory

anyone else having problems? i get a database error.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 2:57 PM PST reply actions

Same here.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Jan 30, 2007 3:21 PM PST up reply actions

spring training question

do the games at phoenix muni ever sell out? i'm debating whether or not i should just buy tix when i get there so i can avoid all those extra charges online.

by gotgreen on Jan 30, 2007 4:33 PM PST reply actions

Weekends, Giants, Cubs are toughest tickets

Games vs. the Giants and Cubs should sell out. The remaining Saturday and Sunday games will sell out or at least come close. Also the Friday night game vs. the D'Backs will probably have a big crowd. The remaining midweek games are probably not a ticket problem.

(All based on past years; I haven't checked ticket availability this year.)

by cynthia2003 on Jan 30, 2007 5:03 PM PST up reply actions

wtf

my professor just made fun of the a's attendance. 1500 people in the stands he said. totally uncalled for.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 4:44 PM PST reply actions

what class was that for?

and how did that come up in conversation. Did you tell him your glad he's not the math professor?

"Choosing between Milledge and Gomez is like choosing between Mozart and Beethoven" --NY Mets Message Boards

by apilgrim on Jan 30, 2007 5:04 PM PST up reply actions

antitrust

ncaa v u of oklahoma, college football tv restrictions. absolutely nothing to do with baseball.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jan 30, 2007 6:49 PM PST up reply actions